New data released today by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) show a 14.3% increase in apprentice and trainee commencements in the June 2024 quarter, when compared with the June 2023 quarter.
The Apprentices and trainees 2024: June quarter report shows commencements increased across most occupations.
Trade commencements increased by 18.1% to 20 485. Growth was particularly strong in Engineering, ICT and Science Technicians (127.6%), Food Trades Workers (68.4%) and Automotive and Engineering Trades Workers (12.4%).
Non-trade commencements increased by 10.9% over the period to 22 135. Most of the growth was amongst Labourers (40.3%), Clerical and Administrative Workers (26.1%) and Machinery Operators and Drivers (12.9%).
Apprenticeship completions in the June quarter 2024 were mixed.
Trade completions increased by 15.4%, primarily driven by a 32.0% increase in Construction Trades Workers. In contrast, non-trade completions fell by 5.1%, largely attributed to a 29.7% drop in Clerical and Administrative Workers.
NCVER Managing Director John King said, ‘Our data shows that apprenticeship commencements are up this quarter for most occupations. The total number of apprentices training in trade occupations remains near recent highs of the June quarter 2022, while non-trade training has continued to decline since then.’
Mr King emphasized that increasing the number of commencements and in-training apprentices are only parts of the equation.
‘Ensuring more apprentices train and complete their training in priority areas is vital to building a skilled workforce.’
Background:
Apprentices and trainees 2024: June quarter provides a national picture of apprenticeship and traineeship activity, including both quarterly and annual figures that can be broken down by state and territory.
In-training refers to the number of apprenticeship/traineeship training contracts where the apprentice/trainee is actively training under the terms of their contract, and who have not completed, cancelled or withdrawn from their training, or had their training contract expired without meeting all of the prescribed requirements of their program at a given point in time.
Download the report: Apprentices and trainees 2024: June quarter
Enquiries: Chantal Deutrom P: +61 8 8230 8418 E: chantaldeutrom@ncver.edu.au
About NCVER: we are the main provider of research, statistics and data on Australia’s VET sector. Our services help promote better understanding of VET and assist policy makers, practitioners, industry, training providers, and students to make informed decisions.
This work has been produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian Government and state and territory governments, with funding provided through the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.